WVC 21 A- 4 - 1
§21A-4-1. Creation; composition.
There is hereby created on October first, one thousand nine
hundred thirty-seven, a board of review, consisting of three
members. They shall devote their entire time to the duties of
their offices.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 2
§21A-4-2. Appointment; terms; vacancies; chairman.
On October first, one thousand nine hundred thirty-seven,
the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
shall appoint the members of the board of review for terms of six
years, except that the terms of the members first taking office
shall be two, four, and six years, respectively, as designated by
the governor at the time of their appointment. Vacancies shall
be filled by the governor for the unexpired term. The governor
shall designate one member as chairman of the board.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 3
§21A-4-3. Qualifications.
The members of the board shall be selected with special
reference to their ability and fitness to adjudicate claims.
Selections shall be upon a nonpartisan merit basis. The governor
shall not appoint a person who is identified with the interests
of either employers or employees.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 4
§21A-4-4. Oaths of office.
Members of the board shall take and subscribe to the
constitutional oath before entering upon their duties. Their
oaths shall be filed with the secretary of state.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 5
§21A-4-5. Compensation and travel expenses.
Each member of the board shall receive an annual salary as
provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code
and the necessary traveling expenses incurred in the performance of
his or her duties.

Requisition for traveling expenses shall be accompanied by a
sworn and itemized statement which shall be filed with the Auditor
and preserved as a public record.

The salaries and expenses of the members shall be paid from
the administration fund.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 6
§21A-4-6. Offices; meetings.

The offices and meeting place of the board shall be at the
capital; but the board may sit at such other places as the prompt
and efficient hearing of claims may require. The board shall sit
for hearing of appeals at least every ten days.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 7
§21A-4-7. Quorum.
A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a
quorum for the hearing of appealed claims.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 8
§21A-4-8. Removal of members.
After hearing, and upon cause shown, the governor may remove
a member of the board.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 9
§21A-4-9. Powers and duties.
The board shall have the following powers and duties, to:

(1) Hear and determine all disputed claims presented to it
in accordance with the provisions of article seven.

(2) Organize from salaried examiners such appeal tribunals
as are necessary for the expedition of disputed claim procedure.

(3) Establish procedure for the hearing of disputed claims.

(4) Take oaths, examine witnesses, and issue subpoenas.

(5) Establish the amount of witness fees.

(6) Keep such records and make such reports as are necessary
for disputed claims.

(7) Exercise such additional powers as may be necessary for
the proper conduct of a system of administrative review of
disputed claims.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 10
§21A-4-10. Appointment and supervision of personnel;
administrative expenses; budget; assignment of
hearings.
By and with the consent and approval of the commissioner,
the board shall appoint such examiners as are necessary to hear
appeals from determinations of deputies, and such other personnel
as is necessary for the proper conduct of a system of
administrative review of disputed claims. Subject to the
provisions of the merit system and with the consent and approval
of the commissioner, the board shall prescribe the qualifications
of, fix the compensation of, and remove the employees of the
board. No person who is identified with the interests of either
employers or employees shall be appointed examiner.

The administrative expense of the board of review shall be
paid from the administration fund. The board, with the
assistance of the fiscal officer of the department, shall prepare
and submit to the commissioner the budget of the board of review.

The chairman of the board shall fix the time and place for
hearing appeals and shall assign such hearings to members of the
board, appeal tribunals, or the full board, as the case may
require, subject, however, to the provisions of article seven of
this chapter.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 11
§21A-4-11. Oaths and witnesses.
The board, appeal tribunal, or examiner will have the power
to administer oaths, take depositions, certify official acts, and
issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the
production of papers necessary as evidence in connection with a
dispute or disputed claim.

WVC 21 A- 4 - 12
§21A-4-12. Subpoenas.
The board, appeal tribunal, or examiner shall have the power
to issue subpoenas for the production of persons and papers in
all proceedings within their jurisdiction. In case a person
refuses to obey such subpoena the board, appeal tribunal, or
examiner may invoke the aid of a circuit court in order that the
testimony or evidence be produced. Upon proper showing such court
shall issue an order requiring such persons to appear before the
board, appeal tribunal, or examiner and produce all evidence and
give all testimony touching the matter in question. A person
failing to obey such order may be punished by the court as for
contempt.

Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2016 Regular Session
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